Patient handling device including local status indication, one-touch fowler angle adjustment, and power-on alarm configuration

ABSTRACT

A patient handling device includes a deck for supporting a patient support surface, a controller, and a user interface. The user interface is actuatable by a user to record a state of a plurality of conditions of the patient handling device. The controller is in communication with the user interface and operable to monitor the plurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication when all the conditions remain unchanged from their recorded state, and to generate a second indication when any of the conditions change from their recorded state.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/557,349, entitled PATIENT HANDLING DEVICE INCLUDING LOCAL STATUSINDICATION, ONE-TOUCH FOWLER ANGLE ADJUSTMENT, AND POWER-ON ALARMCONFIGURATION, filed on Nov. 7, 2006, by David Terrance Becker, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/734,083 filed Nov. 7, 2005, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates to a patient handling device such as ahospital bed and associated methods of operation.

2. Description of the Related Art

Modern patient handling devices are becoming increasingly integratedwith advanced electronic devices, such as a microprocessors,communication busses, network interfaces, wireless networks, high-techdisplays, and advanced sensors. These electronic devices have thepotential to greatly enhance patient care. But too often, theseelectronic devices are complex and do not adequately address ease ofuse, which can be essential for patient care by accounting for thestresses of a hospital/medical environment. As a result, modern patienthandling device controls and user interfaces may be difficult tooperate.

One difficulty is the complexity involved in setting the desired stateof the components of the patient handling device in order to produce analarm should the components be in a non-desired state. Anotherdifficulty is the ability to even notice when the patient handlingdevice is alarming due to one or more components in a non-desired state.Yet another difficulty is the ability to prevent a patient from loweringa fowler of the patient handling device past prescribed angularposition, yet maintaining the ability for the patient to stillselectively adjust the fowler between a plurality of angular positionsabove the prescribed angular position. Therefore, there is a need in theart for a patient handling device that can address the difficultiesdescribed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

A first aspect of the present invention provides a method of monitoringa patient handling device. The patient handling device includes aplurality of sensors sensing a plurality of features of the patienthandling device and a controller in communication with the sensors. Themethod includes the step of receiving a control signal at the controllerto initiate monitoring of the patient handling device. Sensor signalsare acquired at the controller from the sensors in response to receivingthe control signal. Initial sensor data is generated from the sensorsignals based on the initial state of the sensors to establish a desiredstate of the patient handling device. The method continues with thesteps of periodically acquiring the sensor signals from the sensorsafter generating the initial sensor data and generating current sensordata from the sensor signals based on the current state of the sensors.The current sensor data is compared to the initial sensor data and analarm is generated in response to a substantial variation between thecurrent sensor data and the initial sensor data.

A second aspect of the invention provides a patient handling devicehaving a plurality of features for patient care. The patient handlingdevice includes a frame for supporting a patient and a plurality ofsensors supported by the frame for generating a plurality of sensorsignals, wherein each sensor signal corresponds to one of the featuresof the device. A user-selectable control produces a control signal toinitiate monitoring of the patient handling device. A controller is incommunication with the sensors and the user-selectable control forreceiving the control signal, acquiring the sensor signals from thesensors in response to receiving the control signal, and generatinginitial sensor data from the sensor signals based on the initial stateof the sensors. The controller also periodically acquires the sensorsignals from the sensors and generates current sensor data from thesensor signals based on the current state of the sensors. The controllerthen compares the current sensor data to the initial sensor data andalarms in response to a substantial variation between the current sensordata and the initial sensor data.

A third aspect of the invention provides a patient handling devicehaving a plurality of features for patient care and a frame forsupporting a patient. A plurality of sensors are supported by the frame,wherein each sensor senses a feature of the patient handling device andgenerates a sensor signal corresponding to one of the features of thepatient handling device. The patient handling device further includes acontroller in communication with the plurality of sensors forperiodically acquiring the sensor signals from the plurality of sensorsto generate current sensor data. The controller also compares thecurrent sensor data to predetermined data. An alert lamp incommunication with the controller produces light in response to asubstantial variation between the current sensor data and thepredetermined data. The light produced by the alert lamp is viewableoutward from the frame along at least 180 degrees of a circle definedaround the frame.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a patient handling deviceincluding a frame for supporting a patient above a surface. The frameincludes an upper portion which is angularly adjustable with respect tothe surface. An actuator is operatively connected to the upper portionfor adjusting the upper portion between a plurality of angular positionsrelative to the surface. An actuator control generates an actuatorcontrol signal and an angular position sensor is coupled to the framefor sensing the angular position of the upper portion with respect tothe surface. The patient handling device further includes a positionlock control for generating a position lock signal. A controller is incommunication with the actuator control and the actuator for controllingthe actuator to selectively adjust the upper portion between theplurality of angular positions. The controller is also in communicationwith the position lock control and the angular position sensor forpreventing operation of the actuator and thereby preventing adjustmentof the upper portion to at least one restricted angular position inresponse to the position lock signal

In a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of operating a patienthandling device is provided. The patient handling device includes aframe for supporting a patient above a surface. The frame includes anupper portion which is angularly adjustable with respect to the surfaceand an actuator for adjusting the upper portion. The method includes thestep of receiving an actuator control signal to adjust the upper portionbetween a plurality of angular positions relative to the surface. Themethod also includes the step of sensing an angular position of theupper portion with respect to the surface. When a position lock signalis received, operation of the actuator is prevented, which therebyprevents adjustment of the upper portion to at least on restrictedangular position.

The first and second aspects of the invention allow a user of thepatient handling device to easily configure the desired state of thepatient handling device. This is accomplished by simply setting thepatient handling device to the desired configuration (e.g., settingangles, heights, and siderail positions) and turning the patienthandling device on. The initial state of the patient handling device isrecorded and the patient handling device produces an alarm when thepatient handling device is no longer in this initial state.

The third aspect of the invention provides at least one alert lamp whichis viewable to alert the user when any of a number of sensors indicatesan alarm condition. The light produced by the alert lamp is viewable atnumerous locations around the bed.

The fourth and fifth aspects of the invention provide a simple, onetouch lockout that allows a patient to adjust a fowler of the patienthandling device, but prevents the patient from lowering the fowler pasta certain point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient handling device with amattress;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the patient handling device with themattress removed to illustrate the upper portion in an inclinedposition;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the various electrical andelectronic components of the patient handling device;

FIG. 4 IS a detailed view of a footboard control panel and annunciator;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a display of the footboard control panelshowing an example of several alarms;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are detailed views of the display of the footboardcontrol panel showing a low height alarm;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are detailed views of the display of the footboardcontrol panel showing a brake alarm;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are detailed views of the display of the footboardcontrol panel showing a siderail alarm;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are detailed views of the display of the footboardcontrol panel showing a bed exit alarm;

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of an outside siderail control panel;

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of an inside siderail control panel;

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the display of the footboard control panelshowing a menu;

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the display of the footboard control panelshowing an instructional message;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a healthcare facility with a network anda patient handling device bay ID system;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of alternative room modules in the patienthandling device bay ID system illustrating their communication with thepatient handling device and non-patient handling device devices; and

FIG. 16 is a display representation at a remote computer illustrating auser interface of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views, a patient handling device 20 isshown in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art realize that the patienthandling device 20 of the present invention may be implemented as agurney, stretcher, surgical table, examination table, wheel chair,ambulance cot, or other suitable device as is known to the art.Furthermore, the patient handling device 20 need not be utilized solelyin a hospital, but in any suitable environment.

The patient handling device 20 includes a frame 22 for supporting apatient (not shown). A mattress 24 is preferably disposed on the frame22 for comfortably supporting the patient. However, those skilled in theart realize that the patient handling device 20 may be implementedwithout the mattress 24 or with numerous alternatives for the mattress24, such as cushions. The mattress 24 could be a therapy mattress suchas that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/260,452, filedOct. 27, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The patient handling device 20 also preferably includes a plurality ofwheels 26 supporting the frame 22. The wheels 26 allow the patienthandling device 20 to be easily moved along a surface 28 (i.e., thefloor). Of course, the patient handling device 20 may be implementedwithout the wheels 26, such that the patient handling device 20 isrelatively stationary. When implemented with the wheels 26, the patienthandling device 20 preferably includes a brake for immobilizing at leastone of the wheels 26 and more preferably immobilizing all of the wheels26. The brake is applied via a brake pedal 30. In alternativeembodiments, the brake may be applied utilize a handle, button, or othersuitable activation technique. Braking systems employed on patienthandling devices are well known in the art and any suitable system maybe employed here, thus the braking system is not described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 2, the frame 22 includes an upper portion 32 and alower portion 34. The upper portion 32 is often referred to as a “fowlerportion” or simply a “fowler”. The upper and lower portions 32, 34 areangularly adjustable with respect to the surface 28 between a pluralityof angular positions. Said another way, the upper and lower portions 32,34 may be adjusted such that they are non-parallel with the surface 28.This allows the patient to be positioned in a variety of configurationsas are well known to those skilled in the art. The angular position ofthe upper portion 32 with respect to the surface 28 is commonly referredto as a “fowler angle” or “fowler position”.

The frame 22 defines two sides 36 running lengthwise with the arms andlegs of a patient lying in the patient handling device 20 and two ends(not labeled) transverse to the sides 36. A footboard 38 is disposedtransverse to the sides 36 and adjacent to one of the ends. Likewise, aheadboard 40 may be disposed transverse to the sides 36 and adjacent tothe other end of the frame 22. Obviously, the footboard 38 is typicallydisposed near the feet of a patient lying on the patient handling device20 while the headboard 40 is disposed near the head of the patient.

The patient handling device 20 also includes at least one siderail 42disposed adjacent one of the sides 36 of the frame 22. The siderail 42is moveable between an up position and a down position. In the upposition, the siderail 42 prevents the patient from accidentally rollingoff the patient handling device 20 or easily exiting the patienthandling device 20. It is preferred that the siderail 42 include alocking mechanism (not shown) to lock the siderail 42 in the upposition, such that it may not be easily lowered by the patient. In thepreferred embodiment, the at least one siderail is implemented as aplurality of siderails, and more preferably as four siderails: twoadjacent the upper portion 32 with one on each side 36 of the frame 22and two adjacent the lower portion 34 with one on each side 36 of theframe 22. In FIGS. 1 and 2, three of the siderails 42 are shown in theup position and one (not shown) is in the down position.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the patient handling device 20 includes acontroller 44 for controlling operation of the patient handling device20 and monitoring various features of the patient handling device 20.The controller 44 is preferably a microprocessor-based device, such as amicrocontroller. However, those skilled in the art realize that othersuitable implementations may be employed for the controller 44. Thepatient handling device 20 also includes a variety of electrical andelectronic components (not shown) interfaced with or integrated into thecontroller 44 for enabling operation of the controller 44 andcommunication with the controller 44. These components may include, butare not limited to, power supplies, communication interface circuits,networking circuits, amplifiers, multiplexers, logic gates, resistors,capacitors, inductors, and diodes. At least one analog-to-digitalconverter 46 (ADC) is electrically connected to the controller 44 toconvert analog signals from variable voltage/current devices to digitalsignals which are usable by the controller 44. The at least one ADC 46may be separate (i.e., stand-alone) from the controller 44 and/orintegrated within the controller 44. Furthermore, the patient handlingdevice 20 may also include a plurality of distributed nodes (not shown)electrically connected to the controller 44 and variouselectrical/electronic devices as described herein. The distributed nodesfacilitate communication between the devices and the controller 44 whilereducing overall wiring costs and complexity.

The patient handling device 20 includes an upper portion actuator 48operatively connected to the upper portion 32. The upper portionactuator 48 moves the upper portion 32 to adjust the upper portion 32between a plurality of angular positions. The upper portion actuator 48is in communication with the controller 44 to receive control signalsfrom the controller 44. The upper portion actuator 48 is preferably abi-directional motor such that the upper portion actuator 48 canincrease and decrease the angular position of the upper portion 32 withrespect to a horizontal surface 28 such as the floor upon which thepatient handling device 20 is supported. The patient handling device 20also includes a lower portion actuator 50 operatively connected to thelower portion 34 for moving the lower portion 34 to adjust the lowerportion 34 between a plurality of angular positions. The lower portionactuator 50 is electrically connected to the controller 44 and ispreferably a bi-directional motor and operates similarly to the upperportion actuator 48 described above. The patient handling device 20 alsoincludes a lifting mechanism 52 operatively connected to the frame 22for lifting and lowering the frame 22 with respect to the surface 28.The lifting mechanism 52 is electrically connected to the controller 44and preferably includes a bi-directional motor. Of course, those skilledin the art realize that the patient handling device 20 may include otheractuators for operating features of the patient handling device 20. Theactuators 48, 50 and lifting mechanism 52 are well known to thoseskilled in the art and any suitable actuator 48, 50 or lifting mechanism52 may be implemented; therefore, the actuators 48, 50 and liftingmechanism 52 are not described in further detail.

A plurality of sensors 54 are supported by the patient handling device20 with each sensor 54 being associated with the various features of thepatient handling device 20. Each sensor 54 senses at least one featureof the patient handling device 20 and generates a sensor signalcorresponding to that feature of the patient handling device 20. Thesesensors 54 include, but are not limited to:

-   -   at least one siderail switch 56 for sensing the position of each        siderail 42, specifically, whether each siderail 42 is in the up        position;    -   a brake sensor 58 for sensing the activation of the brake;    -   a height sensor 60 for sensing the height of the frame 22 with        respect to the surface 28.    -   an upper portion potentiometer 62 for sensing an angular        position of the upper portion 32 with respect to the surface 28;    -   a lower portion potentiometer 64 for sensing an angular position        of the lower portion 34 with respect to the surface 28;    -   at least one load cell 66, and preferably four load cells 66,        for sensing the weight, presence, and/or position of the patient        on the patient handling device 20; and    -   an arm/disarm signal from a bed exit system.        Those skilled in the art will realize numerous techniques for        implementing the sensors 54 with the patient handling device 20.        For example, in the preferred embodiment, the siderail switches        56 are implemented as mechanical rocker-type switches. However,        the siderail switches 56 may alternatively be implemented as        inductive or capacitive sensing proximity switches,        photosensitive detectors, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the        art will realize that additional sensors that may be utilized to        monitor a feature of the patient handling device 20.

The bed exit system detects patient exit from the patient handlingdevice 20 and/or detects a position of the patient on the patienthandling device 20. Such a bed exit system is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,276,432, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The bed exitsystem is preferably incorporated as one or more software routines inthe controller 44 and utilizes the preferred four load cells 66 asdescribed above. The load cells 66, via the bed exit system, may be usedto track the patient's center of gravity. By knowing the patient'scenter of gravity, pressure ulcer management can be performed by knowingthat the patient hasn't moved or turned. Furthermore, the load cells 66,via the bed exit system, may be utilized to predict a bed exit before itoccurs.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the patient handling device 20 alsopreferably includes several control panels 68, 70, 72 in communicationwith the controller 44. In the preferred embodiment, the patienthandling device 20 includes a footboard control panel 68 disposed in thefootboard 38 of the patient handling device 20. The footboard controlpanel 68, as shown in detail in FIG. 4, includes a plurality ofmembrane-style pushbuttons for controlling various features of thepatient handling device 20. Of course, the footboard control panel 68may use different styles of pushbuttons, switches, or knobs as is wellknown to those skilled in the art. The footboard control panel 68 alsoincludes a display 74 for displaying information regarding the patienthandling device 20 to a user (e.g., nurse, doctor, technician, etc.).The display 74 in the preferred embodiment is a back-lit liquidcrystal-type device, however, other types of displays 74, includingtouch-screen displays 74 for accepting user input, are known to thoseskilled in the art. A cover 76 is pivotally hinged to the footboard 38adjacent to the footboard control panel 68 for concealing and protectingthe footboard control panel 68 when closed. The cover 76 may include awindow (not shown) to allow viewing of the display 74 when the cover 76is closed.

The patient handling device 20 also preferably includes at least oneoutside siderail control panel 70, shown in detail in FIG. 10, and atleast one inside siderail control panel 72, shown in detail in FIG. 11.The inside siderail control panel 72 is disposed on the inside (i.e.,close to the patient) of at least one of the siderails 42 to allowconvenient control of the patient handling device 20 and an interface toother off bed features (e.g., television control, nurse call, etc.). Theoutside siderail control panel 70 is disposed on the outside (i.e., awayfrom the patient) of at least one of the siderails to allow convenientcontrol of the patient handling device 20 by users other than thepatient. The siderail control panels 70, 72 preferably includemembrane-style pushbuttons, but other alternatives are known to thoseskilled in the art.

The patient handling device 20 includes an upper portion control 78, alower portion control 80, and a height control 82, each controlelectrically connected to the controller 44. Each of these controls 78,80, 82 is preferably implemented as a pair of membrane-style pushbuttons(one for up and one for down). In the preferred embodiment, the upperand lower portion controls 78, 80 are disposed on each of the controlpanels 68, 70, 72 while the height control 82 is disposed on the outsidesiderail control panel 70 and the footboard control panel 68, i.e., noton the inside siderail control panel 72. The upper portion control 78generates an upper portion control signal, the lower portion control 80generates a lower portion control signal, and the height control 82generates a height control signal. Each of these control signals iscommunicated to the controller 44. The controller 44 typically respondsto each control signal by controlling the actuator corresponding to thecontrol signal in the appropriate direction. A patient or user of thepatient handling device 20 can then use the controls 78, 80, 82 toselectively adjust the height, upper portion angular position, and/orlower portion angular position of the patient handling device 20.

The patient handling device 20 includes a user-selectable control forproducing a control signal. In the preferred embodiment, theuser-selectable control is a power button 84, preferably as part of thefootboard control panel 68, as shown in FIG. 4. However, other controlsfor producing the control signal and other locations for the powerbutton 84 are also acceptable. The power button 84 produces the controlsignal, which is sent to the controller 44 to initiate monitoring of thepatient handling device 20. In the preferred embodiment, the powerbutton 84 also controls the flow of power to the patient handling device20. Furthermore, the power button 84 cannot be activated (i.e., powerwill not flow to the patient handling device 20) unless the brake hasbeen set to immobilize the patient handling device 20.

The controller 44 receives the control signal and begins to initiate themonitoring of the patient handling device 20. Specifically, in responseto receiving the control signal, the controller 44 acquires the sensorsignal from each of the sensors 54 that is to be monitored. Thecontroller 44 generates initial sensor data based on the initiallyacquired sensor signals. This initial sensor data then becomes the“setpoint” and is stored in a memory of the controller 44, thusestablishing a desired state of the patient handling device. Forexample, if the sensors 54 to be monitored are the four siderailswitches 56, the brake sensor 58, and the load cells 66, then theposition of each siderail 42 and the brake and the weight measured bythe load cells 66 are stored in the memory. If the sensors 54 to bemonitored are the four siderail switches 56, the brake sensor 58, andthe arm/disarm signal from the bed exit system, then the position ofeach siderail 42 and the brake and the current configuration of thearm/disarm signal (e.g., armed or disarmed) are stored in the memory.Thus, the initial sensor data is based on the position of the componentsbeing monitored when the power button 84 is depressed.

After generating the initial sensor data, the controller 44 then willperiodically acquire the sensor signal from each of the monitoredsensors 54 to generate current sensor data. This current sensor data isthen compared to the initial sensor data. An alarm may be then issued inresponse to a substantial variation between the current sensor 54 dataand the initial sensor data. This variation indicates a change from thedesired state to an undesired state. Of course, the amount of variationbetween the current and initial sensor data that results in triggeringthe alarm may be adjusted, depending on the nature of the data. Forexample, a variation of a few pounds in the weight of the patient(between initial and current sensor data) need not trigger the alarm,but a variation of fifty pounds could. Furthermore, the step ofperiodically acquiring the sensor signals may be described as thecontroller 44 routinely examining the sensor signals to determine thecurrent state of the sensors 54. Alternatively, the step of periodicallyacquiring the sensor signals may be described as being immediatelytriggered by a state change, such as, but not limited to, the presenceof an interrupt signal at the controller 44.

Alternative methods to issuing the alarm are contemplated within thescope of the invention. In one method, the current sensor data iscompared to predetermined data. This predetermined data may be set bythe manufacturer of the patient handling device 20 or may be set by theuser. In an embodiment in which the predetermined data is set by theuser, configuration controls are provided as part of the footboardcontrol panel 68. Those skilled in the art realize that the initialsensor data may be considered to be the predetermined data since theinitial sensor data is set (i.e., predetermined) by the user's act ofturning the patient handling device 20 on via the power button 84.

The alarm may be conveyed in several forms. In one instance, the alarmmay be conveyed by activating an alert lamp which produces light.Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the preferred embodiment, the patienthandling device 20 includes a plurality of alert lamps: at least onefootboard alert lamp 86 and a pair of side alert lamps 88. The footboardalert lamp 86 is coupled to the footboard 38 and disposed in a footboardlamp housing 90 located below the footboard control panel 68.

One side alert lamp 88 is disposed on one side 36 of the patienthandling device 20 while the other side alert lamp 88 is disposed on theother side 36 of the patient handling device 20. The alert lamps 86, 88are positioned such that the light produced by the alert lamp isviewable outward from the patient handling device 20 along at least 180degrees of a circle defined around the patient handling device 20 andmore preferably viewable at least 270 degrees of the circle defined bythe patient handling device 20. Since the headboard 40 of the patienthandling device 20 is traditionally positioned against a wall, the lightproduced by the alert lamps 86, 88 is viewable no matter where a user isaround the patient handling device 20. Furthermore, alert lamps may bepositioned such that light is viewable at any point (i.e., 360 degrees)around the patient handling device 20.

Preferably, the alert lamps 86, 88 are light emitting diodes (LEDs) suchthat replacement of the alert lamps 86, 88 is a rarity. It is alsopreferred that the alert lamps 86, 88 produce an amber (or yellow)colored light. Light having an amber color typically has a wavelength inthe range of 577 to 597 nanometers. Furthermore, it is preferred thatthe alert lamp flash on and off, to emphasize the alarm condition. Thoseskilled in the art will realize other locations, configurations, colors,and wavelengths for the alert lamps 86, 88. The alert lamps 86, 88 aredeactivated, i.e., turned off, when there is no substantial variationbetween the current sensor data and the predetermined data (or initialsensor data).

To deactivate the alarm and the alert lamps 86, 88, a user may simplycorrect the problem (e.g., raise a siderail that was lowered).Alternatively, deactivating the alert lamps 86, 88 may be accomplishedby simply turning off power to the patient handling device 20 bypressing the power button 84 and then turning power back on, by againpressing the power button 84. When the patient handling device 20 isrestarted, the initial sensor data will be set to the current (anddesired) state.

The patient handling device 20 may also include a normal lamp 92 whichis activated (i.e., illuminated) when there is no substantial variationbetween the current sensor data and the predetermined data (or initialsensor data). Said another way, the normal lamp 92 is illuminated whenthere is no alarm. The normal lamp 92 is also preferably disposed withinthe footboard lamp housing 90. The normal lamp 92 produces a lighthaving a wavelength different from the wavelength of the light producedby the alert lamp. Preferably, the normal lamp 92 is at least one LEDthat produces a green colored light. Those skilled in the art realizethat green color light has a wavelength in the range of 492 to 577nanometers. The normal lamp 92 is deactivated, i.e., turned off, whenthere is a substantial variation between the current sensor data and thepredetermined data (or initial sensor data), i.e., when the patienthandling device 20 is in the undesired state.

Thus, in the preferred embodiment, it is easy for a user (e.g., nurse,doctor, orderly, etc.) to quickly determine if there is a problem withthe patient handling device 20 that needs to be addressed. The user needsimply notice whether the patient handling device 20 is producing agreen light or a flashing amber light.

In another instance, the alarm may be conveyed to a user by sounding anaudible signal. The patient handling device 20 may include a speaker 94in communication with the controller 44 for sounding this audiblesignal.

In yet another instance, the alarm may be conveyed by transmitting alarmdata to a remote computer 95, external from the patient handling device20. The controller 44 of the patient handling device 20 is incommunication with a network interface 96. The network interface 96 maythen communicate the alarm data (as well as other data) to the remotecomputer 95 over a network 97. Those skilled in the art realize that thenetwork 97 may be a hardwired network (e.g., Ethernet) or a wirelessnetwork (e.g., WiFi., cellular telephone, GSM, Bluetooth, etc.).

The alarm my also be conveyed by transmitting a nurse call signal to anurse call system. Nurse call systems are well known to those skilled inthe art, but typically lack functionality for detailed data handling.Rather, nurse call systems typically provide a simple on/off signal toalert the user (e.g., a nurse) to a problem.

The patient handling device 20 of the present invention also providesfunctionality for limiting (or locking out) operation of the patienthandling device 20. The footboard control panel 68 includes an upperportion lockout control 98, a lower portion lockout control 100, aheight lockout control 102, and a motion lockout control 104. Each ofthese lockout controls 98, 100, 102, 104 is electrically connected tothe controller 44 and sends a corresponding lockout control signal tothe controller 44 when activated. For example, when the lower portionlockout control 98 is activated, the lower portion actuator 50 will notfunction when the lower portion controls 80 on the siderails 42 and/orthe footboard control panel 68 are depressed. The same reasoning extendsto the upper portion lockout control 100, the height lockout control102, and the motion lockout control 104.

The patient handling device 20 of the present invention also provides aposition lock control 106. The position lock control 106 is preferably amembrane-style pushbutton located in the footboard control panel 68 andelectrically connected to the controller 44. The position lock control106 generates a position lock signal which is received by the controller44. The activation of the position lock control 106 in the preferredembodiment provides several results. First, the lower portion actuator48 is actuated to position the lower portion to a horizontal position(i.e., parallel with the surface 28). Next, the upper portion actuator48 is actuated to position the upper portion 32 outside of a restrictedrange of angular positions of the upper portion 32 In the preferredembodiment, this restricted range is between 0 and 30 degrees withrespect to the surface 28. However, different ranges of angularpositions may also be utilized. For example, in one alternativeembodiment, the restricted range may be between 0 and 45 degrees. Inanother alternative embodiment, the restricted range may be any angularposition greater than 45 degrees. If the upper portion 32 is alreadypositioned outside the restricted range of angular positions, then noactuation takes place. The controller 44 receives feedback (i.e., thecurrent position of the upper portion 32) from the upper position sensor54.

Finally, activation of the position lock control 106 results inpreventing the operation of the upper portion actuator 48 utilizing theupper portion control 78 into the restricted range of angular positions.Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the patient (or other user) is notable to lower the upper portion 32 under 30 degrees utilizing thepushbuttons of the upper portion control 78. This allows a simple andconvenient technique for a user to place the patient in an inclinedposition and keep the patient in that position. In some embodiments,however, even when the position lock control 106 is actuated, the upperportion 32 can be adjusted through a plurality of permitted angularpositions that fall outside the restricted range of angular positions,such as those positions above 30 degrees with respect to the surface 28.Those skilled in the art realize that certain medical conditionsnecessitate positioning patients in these permitted positions forextended periods of time. Those skilled in the art realize otherrestricted range of angular positions that have clinical or operationalsignificance. Two examples of restricted ranges of angular positions arerelated to the commonly known Trendelenberg position (where thepatient's feet are disposed higher than their head) and the knee gatchposition. Of course, if CPR is to be initiated, a CPR button allowsimmediate movement of the upper and lower portions of the bed to a fullyhorizontal position.

In the preferred embodiment described above, the position lock control106 restricted the range of angular positions of the upper portion 32.In other embodiments, however, the position lock control 106 mayalternatively restrict the range of angular positions of other portionsof the patient handling device 20, such as, but not limited to, thelower portion 34.

The patient handling device 20 also includes an annunciator 110 forquickly alerting the user to status conditions of the patient handlingdevice 20. The annunciator 110 is preferably located adjacent to andbelow the footboard control panel 68, however other locations may alsobe acceptable. The annunciator 110 includes annunciator lamps (notshown) electrically connected to the controller 44. A cover plate isaffixed over the annunciator lamps, such that messages are illuminatedwhen appropriate. These messages may include, but are not limited to:

-   -   Motion Lockout Set    -   Siderail Lockout Set    -   Low Height    -   Brake Set    -   Bed Exit Alarm    -   Zero Weight Alarm    -   Siderail Alarm    -   Power On        One advantageous feature of the annunciator 110 is that it        remains visible to the user, even when the cover 76 of the        footboard control panel 68 is closed.

The display 74 of the footboard control panel 68 is used as an interfacebetween a user of the patient handling device 20 and the controller 44.As shown in FIG. 4, the display may provide information to the user,such as the upper portion angular position and the lower portion angularposition. Referring to FIG. 5, the display 74 may provide a graphicalrepresentation and/or a schematic map of the patient handling device 20to indicate which component is triggering an alarm. The triggeringcomponent may be blinking or otherwise indicated as is known to thoseskilled in the art. For example, FIGS. 6A and 6B will alternate on thedisplay 74, creating a blinking effect to inform the user that theheight of the patient handling device 20 is low (i.e., lower than thedesired state). FIGS. 7A and 7B will alternate on the display 74 to showthe user that the brake is no longer set. Likewise, FIGS. 8A and 8B showthat one of the siderails 42 is out of position and FIGS. 9A and 9Bindicate that a bed exit alarm is tripped.

As shown in FIG. 12, the display may provide a menu from which the usercan configure features of the patient handling device, by utilizing userinterface controls 108 located on the footboard control panel 68. Thedisplay 74 can also convey non-alarm messages to the user, such as inFIG. 13, instructing the user not to touch the bed (e.g., while thepatient is weighed).

Referring now to FIG. 14, the patient handling device 20 of the presentinvention may be a part of a location detection system (not labeled).The location detection system locates patient handling devices 20 in afacility such as a hospital. Such a location detection system isdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/277,838, filed on Mar.29, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The location detection system includes a locator 112 mounted at each baylocation in each room of the hospital. The locator 112 is programmedwith a location ID to transmit to the patient handling device 20 oncethe patient handling device 20 has “docked” with the locator 112. Thelocator 112 could be mounted on the ceiling, wall, floor, or anylocation that permits the locator 112 to carry out its intendedfunction.

Referring to FIG. 15, the locator 112 could also include additionalfeatures to provide an intelligent room module 112A. For instance, theintelligent room module 112A may include interface buttons 118 foroperator selection that correspond to the patient handling device 20 orroom being clean, dirty, empty, occupied, ready for occupancy, etc. Analternative intelligent room module 112B may also include a graphicdisplay 120 such as a touch-screen display with multiple nested userscreens to access or transmit patient data, patient handling devicedata, or room data. The intelligent room module 112A, 112B may transmitthis information, e.g., clean/dirty, etc., directly or indirectly to thehospital network 97 using wired and/or wireless communication paths.Communication can occur from the intelligent room modules 112A, 112Bdirectly to the hospital network 97, from the intelligent room modules112A, 112B to other patient handling devices and then to the hospitalnetwork 97 or to more than one available hospital network, or directlyfrom the intelligent room modules 112A, 112B to the computer 95 or tomore than one computer 95. The intelligent room modules 112A, 112B mayalso be configured as access points between the patient handling devices20 and multiple non-bed devices 122 such as patient monitoring devices,patient treatment devices, diagnostic devices, and the like, or theintelligent room modules 112A, 112B may be configured as access pointsbetween the hospital network 12 and the non-bed devices 122.

As stated above, data may be transmitted to the remote computer 95 fromthe patient handling device 20 via the network 97. This data mayinclude, but is not limited to, any data collected by the controller 44of the patient handling device 20, alarm data, location ID data, andnon-bed device data from non-bed devices 122 in communication with thepatient handling device 20. This data may also be utilized by othersystems present on the network 97. For instance, the data may beautomatically transmitted to an electronic medical record system 99.Furthermore, the controller 44 of the patient handling device 20 mayreceive commands initiated at the remote computer 95.

Referring to FIG. 16, one possible configuration of a display 124 at theremote computer 95 is shown. As shown, the remote computer 95 includes atouch-sensitive user interface (not labeled) that allows hospitalpersonnel such as a nurse to not only view the patient handling devicedata transmitted to the network 97 from the patient handling device 20,but also remotely activate features of the patient handling device 20such as a scale, the bed exit system, brakes, articulation locks, andthe like. The user interface may also include configuration controls toallow the users to set the desired state of the patient handling device20.

The display 124 may also include amber 126 and green 128 indicatorsactivated in the same manner as the alert and normal lamps 86, 92 on thepatient handling device 20. Audible alarms may also be provided at theremote computer 95 or other locations to indicate whether the patienthandling device 20 is in a desired or undesirable state orconfiguration.

The remote computer 95 may be in communication with a portable device(e.g., cellular phones, PDAs, pagers, etc.) to deliver information aboutone or more patient handling devices 20 to a user. This information mayinclude not only that an alarm has occurred, but the exact nature of thealarm. For instance, the portable device may display data similar tothat displayed on the display 74 of the footboard control panel 68.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described within the scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A patient handling device comprising: a pluralityof components; a plurality of sensors for generating sensor signalscorresponding to said plurality of components; a user-selectable controloperable to initiate monitoring of said components of said patienthandling device; and a controller in communication with said sensors andsaid user-selectable control, said controller acquiring said sensorsignals from said sensors in response to said user-selectable controland generating initial sensor data based on said acquired sensor signalsto establish a desired state of said components, said controllerperiodically acquiring sensor signals from said sensors and generatingcurrent sensor data from said sensor signals based on said periodicallyacquired sensor signals from said sensors, and said controller comparingsaid current sensor data to said initial sensor data, generating aunified indication that said patient handling device is in a desiredconfiguration when said current sensor data does not deviate from saidinitial sensor data, and generating another indication in response to avariation between said current sensor data and said initial sensor data.2. A patient handling device as set forth in claim 1 further comprisinga plurality of wheels supporting said frame and a brake for immobilizingat least one of said wheels.
 3. A patient handling device as set forthin claim 2 wherein one of said sensors comprises a brake sensor forsensing activation of said brake.
 4. A patient handling device as setforth in claim 1 further comprising a frame and a lifting mechanism foradjusting a height of said frame with respect to a surface.
 5. A patienthandling device as set forth in claim 4 wherein one of said sensorscomprises a height sensor for sensing said height of said frame withrespect to the surface.
 6. A patient handling device as set forth inclaim 4 wherein said frame includes an upper portion which is angularlyadjustable with respect to a surface and further comprising an upperportion actuator operatively connected to said upper portion foractuating said upper portion to angularly adjust said upper portion. 7.A patient handling device as set forth in claim 6 wherein one of saidsensors comprises an angular position sensor for sensing an angularposition of said upper portion with respect to the surface.
 8. A patienthandling device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising at least onesiderail moveable between an up position and a down position.
 9. Apatient handling device as set forth in claim 8 wherein one of saidsensors comprises a siderail sensor for sensing the position of said atleast one siderail.
 10. A patient handling device as set forth in claim1 wherein one of said sensors comprises a load cell for sensing a weightof a patient supported on said patient handling device.
 11. A patienthandling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said user selectablecontrol is further defined as a button for producing a control signal.12. A patient handling device as set forth in claim 1 further comprisinga bed exit system, and one of said sensors generating an arm/disarmsignal from said bed exit system.
 13. A patient handling devicecomprising: a deck for supporting a patient support surface; acontroller; and a user interface, said user interface being actuatableby a user to establish desired states for a plurality of patienthandling device conditions of said patient handling device, saidcontroller operable to monitor said plurality of patient handling deviceconditions and to generate a first unified indication when all saidpatient handling device conditions are in their desired states, and togenerate a second indication when any of said patient handling deviceconditions are not in their desired states.
 14. The patient handlingdevice of claim 13 wherein the user interface is further configured toallow a user to select said plurality of patient handling deviceconditions.
 15. The patient handling device of claim 13 wherein saidsecond indication comprises a second unified indication when any of saidpatient handling device conditions are not in their desired states. 16.The patient handling device of claim 13 further comprising a pluralityof sensors, said sensors detecting said states of said plurality ofpatient handling device conditions.
 17. The patient handling device ofclaim 16 wherein the controller generates initial sensor data based onsensor signals generated by said sensors to establish a desired state ofthe conditions, said controller periodically acquiring sensor signalsfrom said sensors and generating current sensor data from the sensorsignals based on the periodically acquired sensor signals from thesensors, and said controller comparing the current sensor data to theinitial sensor data, generating said unified indication that theconditions are in their desired states when the current sensor data doesnot deviate from the initial sensor data, and generating the secondindication in response to a variation between the current sensor dataand the initial sensor data.
 18. The patient handling device of claim 17wherein said sensors comprise at least two sensors selected from thegroup consisting of: a siderail switch, a brake sensor, a load cell, abed exit sensor, a lockout sensor, an angle sensor, and a height sensor.19. The patient handling device of claim 13 wherein said patienthandling device conditions include at least two conditions selected fromthe group consisting of: a position of at least one siderail of saidpatient handling device; an angular position of said deck; a height ofsaid deck; the activation of a brake of said patient handling device;and a state of a bed exit system of said patient handling device.
 20. Apatient handling device comprising: a deck for supporting a patientsupport surface; a controller; and a user interface, said user interfacebeing actuatable by a user to record a state of a plurality ofconditions of said patient handling device, said controller incommunication with said user interface and operable to monitor saidplurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication whenall said conditions remain unchanged from their recorded state, and togenerate a second indication when any of said conditions change fromtheir recorded state.
 21. The patient handling device of claim 20wherein said second indication comprises a second unified indicationwhen any of said conditions change from their recorded states.
 22. Thepatient handling device of claim 20 wherein said conditions include atleast two conditions selected from the group consisting of: a positionof at least one siderail of said patient handling device; an angularposition of said deck; a height of said deck; the activation of a brakeof said patient handling device; and a state of a bed exit system ofsaid patient handling device.
 23. The patient handling device of claim20 wherein said user interface comprises a touch screen.
 24. The patienthandling device of claim 20, wherein said user interface is configuredto trigger said controller to detect and record said state of saidconditions of said plurality of conditions of said patient handlingdevice.